Emergency Prepare

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This guild will learn best practices for getting our community and our neighbors ready for any emergency. Will include collaboration with municipal agencies that have systems in place, such as Block Watch networks.

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We, SustainableNESeattle (SusNE) NESeattlePrepares and RBCA, are introducing a new project (September to May) to help our neighbors and communities in the building of our home emergency preparedness…Continue

I'm putting on a BioChar Stove Class at the Tool Library to place one there for loan out and community use.It works well in 'off grid' situations, mainly for quick cooking, boiling water, and with a…Continue

I've received several questions about HAM radio so here's some really basic information. First, before you can transmit legally, you need to get an FCC amateur radio license. Fortunately it has…Continue

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2017-2018 SNOW ROUTE MAP - The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has issued their 2017-2018 snow route map. You can print it or pick up a paper copy at the library or Neighborhood Center. Here's a link to this season's electronic version:

The tragedy in Oso has highlighted new issues in emergency preparedness and response. In preparing for a calamity we naturally lay in the supplies and planning for things like interruption of utilities and services and even survival in place or on the road. But there are other scenarios that invite us to think about how to respond to disaster.

Assuming that you and your family are safe and you have shelter and food, what else can you do? Many of us have trained as CERT volunteers and imagine the cinematic actions of rescue and first aid. In Oso, once the first responders deployed, those tasks were filled and the emergency managers were able to schedule staffing and other arrangements for rescue and recovery. The National Guard arrived. There are many more functions around a disaster response that are not so dramatic. Let's call these jobs second responders.

As relief flowed in to the distressed communities like Darrington logicians were needed to manage everything from cash to gas cards (isolated residents were faced with longer commutes and more expense), to donations in kind like food and clothing. The fire departments and the National Guard do not do that. And managing relief supplies do not require safety vests or hard hats.

How about vets for the service animals being used?

Financial and tax advisers can take a lot of stress off of those affected. Oso happened in the middle of tax time. People got too busy to file returns or even file extensions. There are other implications of relief that require good information from professionals. Again, no hard hat or safety vest.

The first responders generally arrive with rations etc. The second responders might need some support too, meals and places to sleep. The officer in the Continental Army who went ahead and found places for everyone to sleep and camp was the Quartermaster.

A good way to find ham radio classes, exam sessions, and other related events, is to check the following page: n7cfo.com It's maintained by a guy at the Red Cross; a lot of us send him info to post. Click on the top link that lists Western Washington Amateur Radio Licensing Classes, Training Classes, and Examination Sessions.

I highly recommend the series of classes at Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) because their training is outstanding and the emphasis is on emergency communications; plus you'll meet lots of like-minded folks. But that series starts at the end of September and lasts 8 weeks.

There will be a 2-day license prep class on November 9th and 16th at the Philadelphia Church in Ballard. If that works better for you, contact the lead instructor, Daniel Stevens, and he'll help you get ready for it. Here's his info:

Daniel Stevens Email: kl7wm@aol.com

If you want to study on your own and then take the exam, there are plenty of exam sessions. Check the same web site for a current list.

Once you're licensed, you'll find lots of folks who serve as mentors in the emergency communications field. Just state your interest in a class or exam session, or get back to me here, and I'll put you in touch with the people who do that.

The Lake City Emergency Communication Hub is starting up this month. See below:

The LakeCityEmergency Communication Hub Steering Committee will be meeting monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month starting this month at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 12509 27th Ave NE. All of our meetings are open, but it is not just that we'd be glad to have you come, we need to have more people involved. Come and see what our plans are and learn how you can help your family, your neighborhood, and your community get ready for a major disaster.

Our next meeting is March 27th, 7-8:30 pm. We will be meeting in the Lamb of God Board Room of the Education Wing. Starting in April, we'll meet downstairs at Lamb of God. We'll post signs so you can find your way.